Almanzo 100 giving away bicycle to local youth

Tuesday, March 12, 2013 10:33 AM

Children of Spring Valley are eligible to receive a bicycle that will be given away at the Almanzo 100 bicycle race on May 18.

Bicycle race organizer Chris Skogen has teamed up with Bicycle Sports in Rochester to give away a brand new youth bicycle at this year's Almanzo 100. In order to be eligible for the bicycle, contestants must write a story about bicycling.

"Kids and bikes go hand in hand. My time on a bike as a kid set the foundation for my time on a bike as an adult. I believe it's important to give back and this seems like the most natural path to doing so," said Skogen about the idea for the drawing.

Submitted entries will be voted on by the riders of this year's event and the winner will be announced, and the bike will be delivered, at the starting line on Saturday, May 18. The starting line was moved to downtown Spring Valley this year, another change to get more interaction between the community and participants.

To enter, submit an original story that features a bicycle as one of the primary subjects. Here are the rules for entry:

Story must be at least 500 words.

Story must not be longer than 1,000 words.

Story must feature a bicycle as a prominent subject.

Illustrations can be submitted, but are not required.

Child must be 12 years of age or younger.

Child must be a resident of Spring Valley.

Entries must be received no later than April 30.

Entries can be submitted electronically to almanzo100@gmail.com.

Entries can also be submitted by postal mail to the following address: Almanzo & Royal, LLC, 1217 7th Ave NW, Rochester, MN 55901.